Dakh Daughters is a Ukrainian music and theater ensemble formed in 2012 in Kyiv. The group comprises seven actresses—Solomiia Melnyk, Ruslana Khazipova, Natalka Bida, Anna Nikitina, Zo, Tetiana Havryliuk, and Nina Garenetska—who are also musicians and performers associated with the Dakh Contemporary Arts Center. Their performances blend elements of “freak cabaret,” punk, and Ukrainian folk traditions, creating a unique theatrical experience.
The ensemble gained significant attention with their music video “Rozy / Donbass,” which combines Shakespeare’s Sonnet 35 with Ukrainian folk songs. This piece, along with their live performance during the Euromaidan protests in December 2013, showcased their ability to intertwine classical literature with contemporary issues. They perform in multiple languages, including Ukrainian, English, French, German, and Russian, often incorporating texts from renowned authors like Taras Shevchenko or Joseph Brodsky. Dakh Daughters have released several albums: If (2016), Air (2019), Make Up (2021), and Pandora’s Box (2025). They have performed internationally, participating in festivals such as Zaxidfest and Gogolfest, and have been featured in the Ukrainian musical comedy film Hutsulka Ksenya (2019).
Their performances are known for their theatricality and eclectic musical style, often described as creating an atmosphere where “Mireille Mathieu befriends Marilyn Manson.” This unique blend of influences results in a compelling and thought-provoking artistic experience.
